Annamalai’s Jibe: AIADMK Once Blamed BJP For Loss, Now Wants Alliance

Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai has claimed that a political party - without explicitly naming the AIADMK- is now keen on forming an alliance with the BJP for the 2026 Assembly elections. He attributed this shift to the tireless efforts of BJP workers and expressed pride in their contributions that have strengthened the party's position in the state.

Annamalai pointed out that the BJP was once dismissed as an "untouchable party" and mocked as a "NOTA party." Some even blamed their electoral defeats on their association with the BJP. However, he remarked that the same party that distanced itself from the BJP is now eager to rebuild ties.

He also made it clear that the BJP will not abandon AMMK chief TTV Dhinakaran to rekindle an alliance with the AIADMK. His remarks come in the wake of AIADMK leader C. Ve. Shanmugam's statement that the party's alliance with the BJP in 2021 contributed to its defeat. The AIADMK had officially severed ties with the BJP in September 2023.

Annamalai's comments gain significance as AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami recently stated that apart from the DMK, his party has no permanent enemies and remains open to alliances to challenge the ruling party.

The BJP leader praised his party's cadre for ensuring that the saffron party remains a key player in Tamil Nadu politics. "I am not undermining any party or leader, but today, the BJP stands strong, and others are seeking ties with us," he said. He emphasized that the details of the NDA alliance, leadership, and Chief Ministerial candidate would be decided by the party's national leadership at the appropriate time.

He dismissed claims that the AIADMK lost elections solely due to its BJP alliance, urging an analysis of Tamil Nadu's political landscape over the past five years. He also noted that despite earlier assertions of never partnering with the BJP again, the current political scenario paints a different picture.

Annamalai underlined the BJP's commitment to its allies, highlighting that leaders like Dhinakaran remain steadfast in the NDA. He reiterated that trust is the foundation of a national party's politics, enabling the BJP to expand and govern multiple states.

"Ditching allies is not in the DNA of the NDA," he asserted, subtly reinforcing that the BJP will not break ties with Dhinakaran merely for an electoral understanding with the AIADMK.